On Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 2317 hours, units were dispatched for a drowning to the rear of Ledo’s Pizza on Cobb Island. Rescue Engine 62 and Paramedic Ambulance 6 arrived on the scene to confirm that there was a missing person in water. A witness on the scene advised that a female victim had fallen from a pier into the water and that he was unable to get her out of the water. He had retreated to a nearby boat to get a rope to give to the victim to assist and upon returning, lost site of the victim in the darkness of two vacant boat slips. Rescue Boat 6 arrived on the scene and along with the crew from Rescue Engine 62, suited up with ice/swift water suits to search the area. Using the last seen point and feeling the bottom by foot and with poles, crews made an effort to locate the victim. Chief 14, Edelen, arrived along with Rescue Engine 141 assuming the command. Crews were directed to start searching nearby piers and shorelines. Squad 10 arrived with Chief 10, Frye, and was assigned Operations while their crew suited up to assist with searching the last seen point. MSP Trooper 7 arrived and assisted with lighting the area and searching the nearby area with an infrared camera. Within minutes MSP Trooper 7 advised that they had the victim in sight and was clinging to a nearby piling at the seawall out of sight from the crews. The victim swam approximately 250 feet to the seawall and at that time was unable to climb or holler for help due to effects of hypothermia. Crews from Rescue Engine 141 made their way to the location of the victim and were able to pull the victim over the seawall where she was transferred to Paramedic Ambulance 6 and Ambulance 69 with warm oxygen for patient care. The victim was conscious, but suffering from hypothermia. Her companion was also treated for chest pains by Ambulance 149 and Southern Medical Duty Officer. Both patients were transported to Charles Regional Medical Center for medical attention.

This was an excellent effort by all personnel involved. All possibilities were covered from an organized approach which contributed to the rescue and safe and successful mission. Our members train year round for incidents such as this in hopes that their skills are just that; training and not needed. However, when the siren blows and help is needed, the training provided is put to work and the call for help is answered.

It takes a strong team to get the job done. At the end of the incident, a life was saved! Thank you to neighboring companies that assisted and provided mutual aid for the incident!
Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department
Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department & EMS
Maryland State Police Trooper 7
Charles County Dive Team
Charles County Communications
Charles County Department of Emergency Services

Station 6 Crews
Rescue Engine 62: Jimmy Jackson, Eddie Payne III, JW Kilinski
Rescue Boat 6: Wes Jackson, Colleen Hill, Matt Swann, TJ Hayden
Ambulance 69: Joellen Lawman, Michelle Lawman, Tyler Cox, Tanner Cox,
Paramedic Ambulance 6
Utility 6: Edward Payne Jr.
Personnel on Scene: Joey Chapman, Kenny Staley

Southern Maryland News Net -
https://smnewsnet.com/archives/465385/audio-maryland-state-police-helicopter-trooper-7-assists-in-spotting-rescuing-woman-who-fell-into-water-at-cobb-island-pier/